Hello and welcome! Things are getting back to normal, or should I say ‘new
normal’? I am back to Karachi for my new Fall semester, but I’m afraid it’s going
to continue online. We’ll see, but for now, let’s get to the 5 Bites Friday for
this week!
1: What I read
The Consolations of Philosophy (Alain de Botton) - The book’s wisdom is ancient in its origins, modern in its applications; its content is alive with pictures, modern-day parables, and humor; and its kind and heartfelt consolations is of earnest importance. De Botton is a philosopher of every day with the job of making it better for all. A new, most-favorite book!
2: What I watched
A Life on Our Planet (David Attenborough) – a beautiful, cinematic,
and important documentary that looks on our planet through the eyes and life of
the great Attenborough. In his life time, he has seen the world change dramatically,
and sadly, for the worse. How worse exactly? See this documentary and you’d
know. But you’d also get to know the immediate antidotes to this planet-crisis
that we are going through. “We need go from being ‘apart’ from nature to being ‘a
part’ of nature once again”.
3: Binge-watching Recommendations
I’ve never been busy in my life. I’ve always had plenty of
time to hang-out, play sports, watch movies, read, write, and think. And also
plenty of time to be alone, and feel lonely at times. Nowadays, or actually
this whole year, was no different. And here’s some highly recommended binge-worthy
shows for those who have the time and are seeking:
Dark (Netflix – in German with English Subs) – a gripping, fascinating, and engrossing series. I’m in season 2 and I’ve not felt any drift in my interest or curiosity watching this show. Below is the description of the series: "In the aftermath of a child's disappearance, Dark follows characters from the fictional German town of Winden as they pursue the truth."
Raised by Wolves (HBO Max) – human have gone extinct, and a
couple of Androids (robots) namely Mother and Father, are now given the task of
bearing and raising human children. But the remaining humans, from the religion
Sol, want to kill these robots and their atheistic culture. Again, a gripping,
moralistic, and peculiar series. Season 1 is now available.
4: What I am listening
Music from Gautam Srikishan for the season 1 of ‘Poetry
Unbound’ podcast (from On Being project). Simple, calming, and beautiful, I’ve
been listening to these 9 short audio clips for a month now, and still haven’t tired
myself. You can find them ‘here’.
5: This Week’s Quote
‘Human existence must be some kind of error’ – Schopenhauer (only he can say such a thing!)